Phil Kessel joins us on Facebook with the likes of Ryan Kesler and Claude Giroux

Phil Kessel of the Toronto Maple Leafs has joined the GetRealhockey family by joining the Facebook friends list of our sister site TGW.  You can check out the Facebook link @

http://www.facebook.com/twitergameweek

The list of NHL stars on this Facebook link has been growing daily.  Since this story ran on our site other NHL stars like Ryan Kesler and Kevin Bieska have also joined the list.

http://getrealhockey.blogspot.com/search?q=facebook

If you look at the friends list carefully you will see our friends include NHL agents and NHL head office and ownership personnel. If you are a blogger and want visibility to real hockey stars and NHL people you might want to consider writing for our blog.  If you have a favorite NHL team and want to be heard; please email us @ getrealhockey@gmail.com.

The Maple Leafs are for real - Loosing is in the past in Canada's biggest city !!!

The Toronto Maple Leafs have been an integral part of the NHL since the days of the Original Six.  There have been highs and lows but the fans of the Buds  have been patient and they want a winner.  During the last the last few years, Toronto has watched the playoffs on TV.  Things are changing , though, and we expect they will only get better.

The Maple Leafs beat the New York Rangers  on Monday night and kept climbing the ladder of legitimacy.  The team which is led by Joffrey Lupul, Phil Kessel, and Dion Phaneuf has gelled into a cohesive unit which seems to get better with experience.  Their ability to bounce back from the recent blowouts to the Bruins and beat a strong competitor like the Rangers is a sign of character and professionalism.  

Losing is a thing of the past in Toronto.  The team which has suffered through serious injury problems has found ways to win against all comers.   Many in Toronto shuddered when James Reimer was injured in a collision with Brian Gionta of the Habs.  In true "championship" fashion, the team pulled together and played hard in front of Jonas Gustavson. Winning when it's hard is a sign of potential and it Toronto there is a ton of potential.  If you take out the three games against the Bruins ; the Leafs have a scary good record.   If they figure Boston out; Toronto could have a real chance to challenge for the Cup in the next few years.  Brian Burke is a hockey genius.  He turned this team around and we think it is only the start of the fun.  We expects some late season moves from the man at the helm and a strong showing for the Buds in the finals.  It is good to see  a winning team in TO.  The fans deserve it and the NHL will benefit from it.

NHL Players of the Month for October

The players of the month in October have been named, and not a single one of these players would have been picked as a favorite for the award in the preseason. Phil Kessel, Kari Lehtonen, and Nikolai Khabibulin were all somewhat of underdogs coming into this season. Yet every single one of them, is not only playing at an extremely high level, but playing what is probably the best hockey of their respective careers. Let’s take a look at why each of these players were given the award.

Phil Kessel - Toronto Maple Leafs: 11 GP, 10 Goals, 8 assists, 18 points, +6, 3 GWG

Phil Kessel was voted the month’s #1 star of October, and for good reason! Kessel was essentially unstoppable. He ranked 1^st in the league in goals, points, and game-winning goals for the month. Kessel was not only good, he was flat out dominant. He flat out took over some games, as he had 5 multi-point games (nearly half of his outings). For those of you who think this award was due to a few games, think again as he had points in 9 out of 11 games. His month was just about as consistent as could be. Kessel has been all over the ice so far this season, playing well in all 3 zones. That is nowhere more evident than in his +- for the month, as he posted a very impressive +6 rating. What makes Kessel’s 10 goals in 11 games even more impressive, is the fact that only one of those has come with a man-advantage. Meaning he has created 90% of his goals at even strength, that is the true sign of a dominant player. Kessel has always been a great goal-scorer, but this year we have seen him develop into a true NHL superstar, being able to set up plays for others just as well as creating his own scoring chances. For those of you who think that he will slow down in November, he has played one game in which he had 2 assists and was a +3. He now has 20 points in 12 games and is a +9. He now ranks 1^st in the league in goals, points, gwg’s, and plus/minus. He also is top 5 in the league in assists, and is showing no signs of slowing down!

Kari Lehtonen – Dallas Stars: 9 GP, 8-1-0, 1.75 GAA, .947 save%

Kari Lehtonen was the 2^nd star of the month due to his near perfect start to the season for the Dallas Stars. Lehtonen managed to win 8 of his 9 starts, and is the #1 reason why the Stars are at the top of their division. His wins aren’t the only reason he earned this spot, as his stats were equally as impressive. He posted a 1.75 GAA, and a .947 save%, and with numbers like that clearly gave his team a chance to win every single night. In his 8 wins, he never allowed more than 2 goals, so the wins were in large part due to him. His 1 loss was his only poor performance as he allowed 4 goals, but has been phenomenal in every other start. The Stars are vastly improved this year, considering they ranked dead last in their division last season. With the loss of Brad Richards, many people thought that the Stars would struggle out of the gate; however, they are off to an incredible start due in large part to Lehtonen’s performance. Remember they are 0-2 in the 2 games that he didn’t start!

Nikolai Khabibulin – Edmonton Oilers: 7 GP, 5-0-2, 1.12 GAA, .960 save%

He might be #3 on this list, but in my opinion, he could have equally been ranked #2, or even #1. The only reason he wasn’t ranked ahead of Lehtonen was because he only played in 7 games. But in those 7 games, Khabibulin never lost in regulation, banking at least 1 point for the Oilers in every single game that he started. It’s not just his record that has impressed me so far though; it’s how he has performed in those wins. He has yet to allow more than 2 goals in any game, which is very good after 7 games. But what’s even more impressive is that he has allowed 1 or less goals in 5 out of 7 games, which is just unheard of! For those of you who argue that his GAA is due to Edmonton playing good D, and a lack of shots, you are just flat out wrong. As he has faced 30+ shots in 5 of his games! Edmonton has 16 points in 11 games, and to put that into perspective, this is a team that managed to attain only 62 points all of last season. The Oilers have 25% of the points they had last year in the 1^st month of the season, this is a vastly improved team, and it is in large part due to Khabibulin. Nugent-Hopkins and the rest of the kid-line have been great, but Edmonton is barely scoring over 2 goals a game. So the fact that they have a winning record is due almost solely to the goaltender. And his out of this world .960 save% is reminding us all why he was nicknamed the Bulin-Wall when he won the cup with the Lightning.

That covers the 3 players of the month for October, let’s see if they could keep it up this month.

Grant Robinson (@Thesportsgrind)

Kessel Nets the Winner for the Maple Leafs

Phil Kessel scored halfway through the 3rd period tonight to put the Toronto Maple Leafs ahead 4-3 over the Pittsburgh Penguins. It is Kessel's  league leading 10th goal of the season and was also the game winner. Just 9 months ago in Raleigh, North Carolina Phil Kessel was picked last overall in the 36 player NHL all star draft. At that time he had 19 goals and 15 assists for 34 points in 49 games, but the statistic that stood out most was is +/- rating of -19. Some people argued that Phil Kessel didn't deserve to even be at the all star game or that he wasn't even the best player on the Leafs, Mikhail Grabovsky was and he was sitting at home watching the game on tv. Some other people argued that it was because he played in Toronto and that was the reason for being selected last.

I don't know why Kessel went last but I do know that since that day Phil Kessel has been a different hockey player, a better hockey player and that the Maple Leafs have been a better team. After the all star break last season the Maple leafs went on a tear and almost made the playoffs. In those last 33 games Kessel had 13 goals and 30 points. More importantly his +/- improved as he was -1 during that stretch. People say James Reimer was the reason for the Leafs turnaround last year, I am not so sure.

This season, Toronto is among the Eastern Conferences best teams and they lead the Northeast Division. They have still been winning games even with Reimer on the sidelines with a head injury. The one constant is Phil Kessel. With his 1 goal and 1 assist performance against the East leading Penguins tonight Kessel's totals improved to 10 goals and 18 points, good enough to lead the NHL in both categories. Kessel is getting it done defensively as well with his +6 rating. Coach Ron Wilson has even been using Kessel to defend 1 goal leads during the last minute of play. This time last year he would have been on the bench.

I don't know if the Maple Leafs will make the playoffs or not this year, but I do know one thing, if Phil Kessel continues to play this way he won't be the last guy picked at the all star game this year.

Mike Lord

LEAFS VS FLYERS - NOW THIS IS A HOCKEY !!!

It is a quiet night in the NHL but the Leafs versus Flyers matchup caught our attention.  This will be without a doubt the best game of the night.  Both teams are starting their second string goalies so it is a tossup on who will come out on top.  These squads have grit, youth , and veteran character.  It is almost like they are twins.  When you combines those three elements on both sides; you have the recipe for a knock out drag out game. Both the Leafs and the Flyers have something to prove.  

Toronto has seen a resurgence this year with the play of Dion Phaneuf and Phil Kessel among others.  The boys from the Leafs are determined to get a good jump at the start of the season and it looks like they are well on their way.   They are sick of losing and they want to get into the playoff in 2011 -2012 and make a splash.    Hopefully, Reimer will come back from the Gionta hit and play like he played last season and early this season.   He is a key component to this Leafs' team which right now has the right chemistry to win the tough games.

Philadelphia is off to a good start as well.  Guys like Giroux are playing like champs.  They have some weakness with the likes of Jagr but overall the Flyers are an offensive powerhouse.   We really like the potential in Philly and we think the young players on the team for the nucleus of a championship squad.  The Flyers look kind of like the Capitals of 2009-2010.   I think we will see the young Flyers step up tonight and hit the score sheet.  The question is; will it be enough to beat the Leafs.

Lock and load gang.  This one is going to be a good one.

THE EDMONTON OILERS AND MAPLE LEAFS ARE PLAYOFF BOUND - WE FEEL IT

Every talking head on ESPN and TSN can call a game or season after it has happened.  Only real fans can look at a team and see the potential before it comes to past. We see top of the line hockey potential in the Oilers and the Maple Leafs. The turnarounds in Edmonton and Toronto are for real.  Both squads have suffered through years of mediocrity and their respective success this year is the result of smart drafting and trading.  We expect both teams to make the playoffs this year. 

Rookie sensation Ryan Nugent-Hopkins is giving the young Oiler team an example to follow.  His quiet demeanour is very similar to another young star who hit Edmonton with a thunderclap; Wayne Gretzky.  Ryan Nugent-Hopkins doesn't talk smack on the ice.  He lets his stick do the talking.  He has joined Jordan Eberle and Taylor Hall to form an offensive trio which has put Edmonton back on the NHL hockey map.  Gone are the days when a trip to play the Oilers was a day off for the visitors.  Competitors have to be on top of their game now when they enter Rexhall Place.  The Oilers can put the puck in the net and now that Nikolai Khabibulin is playing better ; this team could cause issues to others in this year's playoff race.  We think it is just a matter of time before the boys in Edmonton taste Stanley Cup success.  If they can keep these young stars for a stretch and foster a team spirit; the Stanley Cup could be headed to Alberta's capital sometime after 2014-2015.

Toronto's success is due to some key veterans playing at the top of their game and a the aggressive play of a hot young goalie.   This year's edition of the Buds is being led by Phil Kessel, Joffrey Lupul, and James Reimer.  Kessel and Lupul are lighting the lamp at a an impressive rate.  Reimer has been solid in the net  and is play has been complimented by experienced blue liners like Dion Phaneuf.  High powered offense plus air tight defense means the Leafs will be on the winning side of many confrontations this year. This version of the Leafs is going to make the playoffs and fans at the Air Canada Center will finally have something to cheer about  when springtime rolls around.  If they can stay injury free and some of their rookies pitch in; the Leafs could post a serious challenge for other squads come playoff time.  

LEAFS AND HABS PREPARE TO CLASH - EASTERN CANADA WILL BE GLUED TO THE TV

The Leafs and Habs face off tonight in a game which is critically important to both squads.  We expect a heck of a clash !!!

Montreal is an early season slump which threatens to become a full scale collapse.  The team is in disarray because of early season injuries coupled with the poor play of key players like Subban and Price.  The Habs playing in front of Price seem to have lost confidence in their goalie.  If the Habs fall behind ; it is almost a guaranteed lost.  Tonight; Price will have to be on top of his game and hope and pray that the weak offense of the Habs can get him a couple goals.  

We expect Montreal to fall to Toronto tonight.  The Leafs are not yet a top tier team in the NHL but they are certainly steadier than Montreal at several positions.  Reimer is what price used to be and Phaneuf is the kind of blue liner that PK Subban might become someday.  We should see fireworks from Lupul and Kessel tonight and the Leafs should put the Habs away on their home ice.

A Maple Leafs and Canadiens matchup is always a crowd pleaser.  The teams despise each other and the fans feel the same as well.  We hope for both teams that the intensity generated by this historical rivalry shows up on the ice tonight.  What teams lacks in skill, they can make up with heart.  If Montreal plays with heart they might squeeze thru and beat Toronto.  If Toronto plays with heart; their superior skill will destroy the Habs. 

MAPLE LEAFS DROP JETS AND LOOK FORWARD TO BEATING BRUINS

The unexpected is happening all over the NHL in this new season.  Bottom dwellers are showing signs of life and former champs are on the matt almost down for the count.  The Edmonton Oilers are winning the occasional game, the Vancouver Canucks are crashing and burning, and the Toronto Maple Leafs are racking up wins like champs.

On Wednesday, the Leafs snatched a victory from the jaws of defeat and beat the upstart Jets. This kind of victory shows character and it is a clear indication that the Leafs are sick of years of losing and that the tide has probably turned in Toronto.  Kessel scored another goal in that victory and he is without a doubt one of the best NHL forwards in this new season.  Reimer was also a star in net and had strong stops when it counted.

The Leafs next game is against the Bruins.  The Bruins are another great example of a team in disarray in this new season.  We think the Leafs will be too much for the Bruins and Toronto should add another win to the victory column.  The Bruins will try and give the Leafs a fight for it but Julien's squad is just to listless for a full three periods.  The sad sack Bruins will not be up to the challenge and we see another close fought victory for the Buds.

It is good time to be a hockey fan in Toronto and we see more good news coming down the 401. Go Leafs Go !!!

The NHL’s top performers of the 2011 season thus far!

The NHL season has finally gotten underway, and each team has played around a handful of games now, so let’s take a look at who the top performers have been in the first few weeks.

1) Phil Kessel (TOR) - 3 GP, 5 Goals, 3 assists, 8 points, & +7!

Without question Phil Kessel has been the NHL’s top performer so far this season.  He ranks 1^st in the league in goals, points, game winning goals and plus/minus! What’s most impressive has been his consistency, as he has points in all 3 of the Leafs games, and has points on 8 of Toronto’s 11 goals this season! If that isn’t dominance then I don’t know what is. Kessel has 5 goals in his last 2 games, 2 of which happened to be game winners. He is showing why despite being highly criticized the past few seasons (Ex: Ovechkin laughing at him at the all-star game) he has still managed to score 98 goals during the past 3 years. He has done all of that without having a legitimate #1 center during his entire stint in Toronto. Although he still doesn’t have a #1 center, Kessel has been a completely different player since the arrival of Lupul in the Beauchemin trade as the 2 have great chemistry together. What has impressed me most about Kessel so far this season, isn’t even the scoring, it’s his all-around game. We all knew he was a sniper, but this year he has been playing physical, been great in all 3 zones, and has shown a knack at creating plays by passing not just shooting like in the past! If Kessel continues to play like this, Toronto fans will quickly forget about Tyler Seguin!

2) John Tavares (NYI) - 4 GP, 5 G’s, 3 A’s, 8 pts, +4

Tavares started off slow with 0 points in his 1^st 2 games, causing his coach to publicly call him out. However, since then has been on absolute fire. In his last 2 games, he has 8 points despite the Islanders only scoring 9 goals over those 2 games. Tavares is the biggest reason why the Islanders have beat both the Lightning and Rangers back to back. He is finally beginning to show why he was the #1 overall pick, and is starting to show that he could carry a team. The sky is the limit for this kid! Another player who deserves mention from the Islanders is PA Parenteau! Parenteau has 7 points in 4 games, and is a very impressive +5. He came out of nowhere last year to score 53 points, and after his hot start to this year, he is definitely here to stay.

3) Thomas Vanek (BUF) – 4 GP, 4 G’s, 3 A’s, 7 pts, + 1

Vanek has followed up his bounce back season last year with a phenomenal start to this season! He has been a driving force in the great start for the Sabres as they are establishing themselves as one of the top teams in the East after some great free agent pickups. But Vanek has done his best to show that despite all the new pickups, he is still the most dangerous weapon on the Sabres. If Vanek has had any question marks about him in his career it would be his consistency, yet this year he has a point in every single game, so that’s a great sign for Sabres fans, and Vanek’s owners when it comes to fantasy.

Honorable mention

Luke Adam (BUF) – 4 GP, 3 G’s, 3 A’s, 6 pts, +2

Adam has come out of nowhere this season, and in my opinion, because of that has been even more impressive than teammate Vanek. Adam has 3 multi-point games already this year, and his 6 points has already surpassed his 4 pts in 19 games last year as a rookie! There is no questioning that he is the most improved Sabre, and gives them another top-6 forward! If he is available in your fantasy league, jump all over him, because he shows no signs of slowing down!

Vinny Prospal (CBJ) – 5 GP, 3 G’s, 2 A’s, 5 pts, +1If I asked you before the season started, ater 5 games who would be leading the Blue Jackets in scoring, what would you answer? Rick Nash? Maybe Jeff Carter? Nope, neither of them. Instead it is Vinny Prospal, who is clearly benefitting from riding shotgun with the 2 superstars! The acquisition of Prospal went largely unnoticed, but is already beginning to pay dividends. Once again if he is available in your fantasy leagues, pick him up now, because as long as he is on that line, he has tremendous value!

Tyler Seguin (BOS) – 5 GP, 3 G’s, 2 A’s, 5 points, +1.

For all the hype that surrounded Seguin last season, he really didn’t do all that much. He looked great in a few games including one dominant playoff game, but was invisible for much of the rest of the season. That has definitely not been the case this season, as Seguin has points in 4 of 5 games so far! He has been playing a lot harder, and giving it his all on every single shift, which is allowing his to showcase the talent that made him the 2^nd choice overall. So not only has his game become more consistent, but even more importantly to his production is that the Bruins are showing faith in him. Boston has put Seguin on the top line and surrounded him with 2 of the Bruins best players in Lucic and Horton, giving the youngster every chance to succeed.

There were obviously many more players who have had great starts to the year, but offensively these are the players that stood out the most to me! Let’s see which ones could keep it up, and which other players could get it going and end up on this list next time!

Grant Robinson (@thesportsgrind)

www.grantrobinson.podbean.com